Keyswitch structure and balance link thereof

Abstract

A keyswitch structure includes a base plate, a keycap, a lift mechanism, and a balance link. The lift mechanism connects between the keycap and the base plate such that the keycap can move up and down relative to the base plate. The balance link is formed substantially in a U-shaped profile. The middle portion thereof is rotatably disposed on the base plate; the two ends thereof are respectively formed in an L-shaped profile and rotatably inserted into two slot structures on the keycap or the lift mechanism or both. Compared with a conventional balance link formed in an n-shaped profile connecting a keycap and a base plate, the invention provides more diverse structural connections, conducive to structural miniaturization. Furthermore, a support of the lift mechanism includes a protrusion capable of being blocked by a limitation structure disposed on the base plate for controlling the rotation angle of the support.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The invention relates to a keyswitch structure, and especially relates to a keyswitch structure having a balance link and a balance link for a keyswitch structure.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]The structure of conventional mechanical keyswitches is a keycap and a base plate with a lift mechanism therebetween such that the keycap is capable of moving up and down relative to the base plate. The movement stability, including movement stroke and even steadiness, of the keycap usually depends on the lift mechanism. If the movement of the lift mechanism itself is poor, the keycap can hardly move stably. Furthermore, if the length of the keycap such as space key is longer, a single lift mechanism cannot provide enough balance resilient force to the keycap leading to a slant easily when the keycap is pressed. Hence, in practice, the keycap with a longer length is usually provided with a plurality of lift mechanisms...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a keyswitch structure that uses a balance link to improve the movement stability of the keycap. The balance link has a U-shaped profile, which allows for more flexible positioning of the keycap. The keyswitch structure also includes a limitation structure to control the lifting range of the lift mechanism, which further improves the movement stability and up-and-down movement steadiness of the keycap. The balance link is formed by cutting a plate material, which reduces its dimension tolerance and allows for improved assembly precision and movement precision. Overall, the invention provides a keyswitch structure with improved movement stability and up-and-down movement steadiness.

Problems solved by technology

If the movement of the lift mechanism itself is poor, the keycap can hardly move stably.

Furthermore, if the length of the keycap such as space key is longer, a single lift mechanism cannot provide enough balance resilient force to the keycap leading to a slant easily when the keycap is pressed.

Because of the structural feature and the disposition of the lift mechanism and other components such as elastic domes (used for providing resilient force and triggering a switch) at the central portion of the keycap, the middle portion of the balance link cannot be disposed to pass through the central portion of the keycap.

Hence, the middle portion of the balance link can be disposed only at a side portion of the keycap, so that the single balance link only constrains the keycap by a single side, which hardly provides effective constraint on the movement of the keycap.

After several bending processes, the dimensions of the conventional balance link are easily out of precise control.

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